Public Policy (Science and Technology Policy), MPP
Are you passionate about understanding complex public problems and driven to develop and implement innovative policy solutions surrounding science and technology? Through coursework and hands-on projects, you'll gain the analytic skills required for addressing society's most challenging and pressing problems.
Quick facts
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
The Master of Public Policy program allows you to approach the study of public policy with a focus on public policy in the urban setting.
The program trains you to lead by making positive policy decisions; addressing the difficult questions associated with public policy; and managing the process of policy creation, approval, implementation and evaluation. You also gain an understanding of policies addressing issues such as poverty, education, the environment and public safety. At the conclusion of the program, you are able to identify, analyze and interpret the challenges and dilemmas of public policies, especially those of urban areas. You also are able to approach policy analysis with a variety of quantitative and qualitative methods, and you are prepared to develop innovative processes and tools to deal with changing realities of public policy and address issues on a global, regional and local scale.
The MPP program with a concentration in science and technology policy provides knowledge and skills for you if you're seeking or advancing careers in areas in which science and technology are either guided by public policy or play an integral role in the policy process. This concentration emphasizes theories and research concerning the role of science in decision-making, complexity theory, institutional design of knowledge production organizations, national innovation systems, innovation and industrial policy, technology transfer and research evaluation.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
42 credit hours including the required capstone course (PAF 509)
Required Core (27 credit hours) Concentration (6 credit hours) Restricted Electives (6 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
PAF 501 Public Service Research I (3)
PAF 502 Public Service Research II (3)
PAF 504 Microeconomics of Public Policy I (3)
PAF 505 Public Policy Analysis (3)
PAF 540 Advanced Policy Analysis (3)
PAF 541 Program Evaluation (3)
PAF 570 Microeconomics of Public Policy II (3)
PAF 573 Applied Econometrics (3)
PAF 574 Diversity, Ethics and Leading Public Change (3)
HSD 501 Science and Technology Policy (3)
PAF 591 Topic: Innovation Policy and Management (3)
PAF 509 Public Affairs Capstone (3)
Students should see the academic unit for a complete list of approved electives.
What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Apply analytic techniques for developing, comparing, and improving public policy solutions.
- Lead evidence-based efforts to solve public challenges within diverse and changing organizations and societies.
- Apply policy analysis tools to address challenges related to maximizing public value from innovations in science and technology.
Apply analytic techniques for developing, comparing, and improving public policy solutions.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: Additional Application Information Applicants may also submit a resume or other documents. The letters of recommendation should be from faculty or other academic staff who can evaluate the applicant's academic performance, or from professional sources such as a supervisor. The written statement should be one to two pages and describe the applicant's educational and career goals. The written statement is also used as a sample of the applicant's writing abilities. Students enrolling in MPP core courses must demonstrate minimum competency in statistics and American government, typically through the completion of an undergraduate social statistics course such as PAF 301 Applied Statistics and undergraduate coursework in American national government such as POS 310 American National Government. Completion of prerequisite courses is not a requirement for admission, but they must be completed within one semester after starting the program. Students may also satisfy American national government competency by successfully completing a noncredit online course offered to incoming students by the School of Public Affairs. Applicants should email spa@asu.edu if they have questions about the application process.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Additional requirements for international students are on the international graduate admission website.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Graduates with this degree are prepared to pursue a career in a field related to public administration or public policy. This may include opportunities as either a manager or policy analyst in a local, state or federal agency; nonprofit organization; or private organization that interfaces with public sectors.
The program can also serve as a platform for preparation for doctoral studies in public policy, public administration, urban studies and other related programs.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Public Affairs
|
UCENT 400
spa@asu.edu
602-496-0450
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
